Transitions can bring feelings of joy, fear, nervousness, or uncertainty. As we transition to a new year, the Arc would like to highlight the ways we support individuals and families during transitional periods of their lives. Children This past fall, the Family Support team welcomed Julie Thompkins in the new role of Family Navigator. In…
Guiding Families
At the St. Louis Arc, supporting the whole family is a vital part of our mission. No one understands that more than the Saputo family. Peter and Susan Saputo are quintessential St. Louisans. Born and raised here, they met, married and brought twin boys, Jack and Joe, into the world 18 years ago. Susan states,…
St. Louis Arc Strategic Plan 2019-2022
What is Strategic Planning? Strategic planning is a process used by nonprofit agencies, businesses, and organizations, which empowers agencies to review and evaluate programs while planning for the future. The process provides an opportunity to reassess services and ensure that an agency is doing their best to fulfill their mission. Every four years, the St….
Things “To Do” in 2018 for My Loved One with a Disability
At the start of every new year it is important to take a moment and reflect on what you and your family members accomplished last year and to make a plan for what lies ahead. The St. Louis Arc has adapted a yearly “to do list” originally produced by the Arc of Northern Virginia, for…
CONNECT to Your Community through Meet Up
CONNECTING to Your Community If you stopped into the Rock Hill Trainwreck Saloon on a Friday in early May, you may not have thought it any different than any other Friday. There were people chatting, eating, or watching a game on TV. However, on this particular Friday, 35 people from our Meet Up group were spread…
Pre-Employment Training: More Than a Job
Often when we discuss “pre-employment training” people tend to think of assisting an individual in learning how to do a job. However, there is much more to successful employment training. When you have a confident, joyful, well-rounded individual, you are more likely to have a successful and satisfied employee. Pre-Employment Training Program The St. Louis…
What Does it Mean to Live “Independently”?
How I Felt Before My Autism Diagnosis Recently we came across an article by Thomas Hassell, a contributor to The Mighty, titled “How I Felt Before My Autism Diagnosis”. Thomas shared how he is different now, verses when he was younger. That got us thinking about Arc participants who are transitioning to living independently, many…
New Spring Class Offerings
CONNECT is registering for its spring class series! This series allows individuals to gain knowledge and develop life skills through a variety of classes and learning opportunities. Whether your goal is to communicate clearer, learn to cook, or just get moving, CONNECT is the place for you! How to Make Conversation Thursdays, March 9 –…
Make A Difference This Tuesday
What is Giving Tuesday? Celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday is a day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. #GivingTuesday celebrates generosity by providing people everywhere with an opportunity to give more, give smarter, and give great. Lifetime of Support A few short weeks ago we introduced you to Alex,…
Identify, Plan, and Achieve Your Life Goals
As a professional life coach, I have the privilege of working one-on-one with young people as they transition to adulthood. I speak with individuals and their parents, to help them recognize their goals and develop a plan to make their dreams a reality. Each person’s goals are different, and occasionally life presents road blocks that make…